How to Check SASSA Status Without Data

You can check your SASSA SRD grant status without using any mobile data or internet connection. There are three methods that work without data: dial a USSD code like *120*69277#, send an SMS with your ID number to 32555, or use the Moya App which is completely data-free after download. All three options are affordable and easy to use on any phone.

What You Need Before You Start

No matter which no-data method you choose, you will need the following:

• Your 13-digit South African ID number. This is the ID number you used when you applied for the SRD grant. Keep it handy because you will need to enter it.
• The cellphone number linked to your SASSA application. The system matches your ID number with the phone number on file. Use the phone that has this number.
• A small amount of airtime (for USSD and SMS). USSD costs less than R1, and SMS costs about R1 to R2. The Moya App costs nothing at all after installation.

You do not need Wi-Fi, mobile data bundles, or access to the internet for any of these methods. This is important because many people who rely on the R370 SRD grant have very limited data. These methods were designed to be accessible to everyone.

Method 1: Check SASSA Status Using USSD (Any Phone)

USSD is the cheapest and fastest way to check your SASSA status without data. It works on any phone, including basic feature phones.

How it works: You dial a short code from your phone’s keypad, follow the prompts on screen, enter your ID number, and see your status. No internet is used at all. A small USSD charge (usually under R1) may apply from your network.

Quick steps:

1. Open your phone’s dial pad (the screen you use to make calls).
2. Dial *120*69277# and press the call button. This code works on all networks: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom.
3. Follow the on-screen menu and select the option to check your SRD grant status.
4. Enter your 13-digit ID number when asked.
5. Enter your registered cellphone number.
6. Your status will appear on screen within seconds.

Alternative USSD codes: If *120*69277# does not work, try *134*7737# (MTN only) or *120*3210# (all networks).

For the complete detailed guide with troubleshooting tips, read our full SASSA status check USSD guide.

Best for: People with any type of phone (including basic phones), people who want the cheapest option, and people who need an instant result.

Method 2: Check SASSA Status Using SMS (Any Phone)

The SMS method lets you check your SASSA status by sending a single text message. It works on every phone that can send an SMS.

How it works: You send a text message with a specific format to the number 32555. SASSA’s system reads your message, looks up your application, and sends a reply SMS with your status.

Quick steps:

1. Open your phone’s messaging or SMS app.
2. Create a new text message.
3. In the “To” field, enter 32555.
4. In the message body, type: STATUS followed by a space and your 13-digit ID number. Example: STATUS 9001015009087
5. Send the message.
6. Wait for a reply SMS with your status. This usually arrives within minutes but can take up to 24 hours during busy periods.

Cost: Standard SMS rate applies, usually between R1 and R2. The reply from SASSA is free. No data is used.

For the full step-by-step guide with all troubleshooting tips, visit our SASSA status check via SMS guide.

Best for: People with any type of phone who prefer text messages, and people who want a written record of their status in their SMS inbox.

Method 3: Check SASSA Status Using the Moya App (Smartphones Only)

The Moya App is a data-free application that gives you the best experience for checking your SASSA status. Once installed, it uses absolutely zero data.

How it works: Moya is a free app available on the Google Play Store (Android 5.0 and above) and the Apple App Store (iOS 11 and above). After a once-off download that uses a small amount of data, every feature within the app is completely data-free. You navigate to the SASSA section, enter your details, and see your status.

Quick steps:

1. Download and install the Moya App from your app store (requires data or Wi-Fi for this step only).
2. Register with your phone number and enter the OTP sent to you.
3. Open the app and go to the Discovery tab.
4. Tap “Services & Money”.
5. Tap “SASSA Relief”.
6. Tap “Status”.
7. Enter your 13-digit ID number and your registered phone number.
8. View your status instantly.

Bonus features: Through Moya, you can also update your banking details, lodge an appeal if you were declined, and reapply for the SRD grant. All of this is data-free.

For the complete detailed walkthrough, read our SASSA status check on Moya App guide.

Best for: People with smartphones who want a full-featured, data-free experience, and people who also need to manage their SASSA application (appeals, banking updates, reapplication).

Comparing the Three No-Data Methods

Here is a quick comparison to help you choose the best method for your situation:

Feature	USSD	SMS	Moya App
Works on basic phones	Yes	Yes	No (smartphone needed)
Data required	None	None	None (after download)
Cost	Under R1	R1 to R2	Free
Speed of result	Instant (seconds)	Minutes to 24 hours	Instant (seconds)
Extra features	No	No	Yes (appeals, banking, reapply)
Ease of use	Easy	Very easy	Easy (after setup)

If you have a basic phone, use USSD or SMS. If you have a smartphone, the Moya App gives you the most features at zero cost. Many people use more than one method as a backup.

Other Free Options: Free Wi-Fi and the SASSA Helpline

In addition to the three no-data methods above, there are two more ways to check your SASSA status without spending money on data:

Free public Wi-Fi: Many public libraries, community centres, and municipal buildings in South Africa offer free Wi-Fi. You can connect to this Wi-Fi and visit the official SASSA portal at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status to check your status online. This is a good option if you happen to be near a free Wi-Fi spot.

SASSA toll-free helpline: You can call SASSA directly at 0800 60 10 11. This number is toll-free, meaning the call costs you nothing. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. A SASSA agent can check your status for you over the phone. For more ways to reach SASSA, visit our SASSA contact information page.

What Your Status Result Means

No matter which method you use, you will see a status result for your SRD grant application. The most common results are:

• Approved: Your application was successful. You will receive R370 per month.
• Pending: SASSA is still reviewing your application. The means test and other verifications are in progress.
• Declined: Your application was not approved. This may be because your monthly income is above the R624 threshold, or because another check failed. You can appeal this decision.
• Payment in progress: Your money has been approved and is being sent to you.

If you are not sure what your result means, read our full SASSA status meanings guide. If your check is not working at all, see our SASSA status check not working troubleshooting page.

For a full overview of every method (including those that need internet), visit our how to check SASSA status hub and the main SASSA status check page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really free to check SASSA status without data?

The Moya App is completely free after the initial download. USSD and SMS have small charges (under R1 for USSD, R1 to R2 for SMS), but they do not use any mobile data. The SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 is also toll-free. So yes, you can check your status at very little or no cost.

Which no-data method is the best?

It depends on your phone and your needs. If you have a smartphone, the Moya App is the best choice because it is completely free and has extra features like updating banking details and lodging appeals. If you have a basic phone, USSD is the cheapest and fastest option. SMS is the simplest method but takes slightly longer to get a reply.

Can I check my SASSA status at a library or community centre?

Yes. Many public libraries and municipal buildings in South Africa have free Wi-Fi. You can use this to visit the SASSA website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status and check your status online. Ask the staff at the location if they have free internet access available.

What if none of the no-data methods work for me?

If USSD, SMS, and the Moya App are all not working, call the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm). You can also send “Status” to SASSA on WhatsApp at 082 046 8553 if you have a small amount of data or Wi-Fi. As a last resort, visit your nearest SASSA office in person with your ID document.

Do I need to check my status every month?

It is a good idea to check your status at least once a month, especially around the time SASSA processes payments. This helps you know if your grant of R370 is approved for the current month and if payment is on its way. If your status changes unexpectedly, you can take action quickly, such as lodging an appeal.